Q: What are the regulatory manufacturing requirements for marking guns and their parts?

A: American-made firearms are regulated by the US Federal Government (ATF) to include specific permanent marks. These include serial numbers, country of origin, city, state and name of the manufacturer.

The marks themselves must meet certain requirements for depth and size. Specifically, the marking depth on the gun or barrel must be a minimum of .003” deep and the character size cannot be smaller than 1/16”.

While many marking options are available, the most popular with gun manufacturers is CMT’s air powered roll marking system. CMT’s distinct “seek and find” roll marking method maintains constant pressure during the roll marking process. The unique process provides an evenly marked part, and the ability to use less force during the marking process.

The end resulting mark is made to the gun part in under 3 seconds, is extremely clear and readable, and exceeds the minimum required marking depth.

Columbia Marking Tools is Federal firearms licensed, which means that CMT can legally and safely transport firearms components both for test marking before a machine sale and for final fit and testing of a marking system in house.

Pictured: Air Powered Roll Marker model 860

• Heavy duty, floor style, machine base
• 2″ maximum stroke
• 3½” maximum adjustable die slide stroke, upgrades available
• T-slot adjustable cast iron fixture mounting table
• OSHA-approved dual anti-tie down, anti-repeat palm buttons with ring guard
• Pressure “seek and find” marking system
• Air inline OSHA approved lockout shutoff valve, filter, regulator, pressure gauge and lubricator
• Quick change dovetail tool mount
• Painted enamel blue

With a custom adjustable barrel fixture

• Master fixture plate with adjustable end stop for different barrel lengths
• V block supports
• This example includes details for (4) barrel configurations

Concave roll die

• The CMT roll dies are double engraved (the marks being 180 degrees from each other) so that manufacturers can get twice the use from a single part – just rotate the part when the first side has worn down
• 3/32″ sharp faced characters with matching concave to mark along round gun barrel

If you have further questions or would like a quotation, please give us a call at 586-949-8400. Or e-mail quotes@columbiamt.com.